Why Adults Skip the Dentist

Some have been traumatized by the drills that accompany a root canal, some think they take perfect care of their teeth on their own. Any excuse you come up with, we’ve heard them all.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), Americans are still not seeing their dentist as much as they would like, according to a survey from Delta Dental Plans Association. “Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed reported they visit the dentist at least one time per year, down from 62 percent in 2016.”

For a second year, dentists topped the list of health practitioners Americans want to see more often, according to the Adults Oral Health & Well Being Survey. According to the survey, 42 percent of Americans don’t see a dentist as often as they would like, beating out their primary care doctor (29 percent), dermatologist (23 percent) and the ophthalmologist (17 percent).

Everyone brushes their teeth to prevent a cavity and promote good oral health but they don’t follow up in the postcard sent from their dental hygienist. These steam from two major reasons-

ConvenienceDentist’s offices are staying open later and on the weekends to accommodate patients with busy schedules. Making an appointment doesn’t have to mean missing work or school anymore. Many offices are now staffing at least one person who speaks Spanish, expanding access for the growing Hispanic population.FearSome people are afraid of the pain they expect from a visit to the dentist, or they don’t like getting shots. Dental problems can develop slowly, taking a long time to become bothersome, and people just acclimate to the pain. But initial dental exams won’t hurt, and any necessary dental care will hurt far less than the long-term consequences of ignoring a toothache, like gum disease and persistent infections. Other people are ashamed of their poor dental hygiene, but a good dentist won’t humiliate anyone, and a private visit is less embarrassing than bad teeth, bad breath or a denture fitting before retirement.

The other honorable mentions are:

Cost.

Dental anxiety.

Fear of needing dental work.

Fear of instruments.

Bad memories.

Busy schedule (or lazy).

Fear of getting lectured.

Whatever your reason for skipping your 6 mo. checkup-for the sake of your teeth, call your dentist and make an appointment today! The best way to address your personal reasons for avoiding dental visits is to voice them to your dentist. Give him or her the opportunity to reassure you and get you back on course for good dental health.